The success of the deals space and emergence of big data has opened the door to transactional marketing that drives new revenue for businesses. Key revenue streams are emerging such as monthly/annual fees, commissions for loyalty business, bounties for new customers and mark-ups on transactional fees. Major tech players and VCs are seeing the opportunity in the loyalty space to the tune of more than $237 million in investment dollars. Peter Krasilovsky talked to three companies heavily engaged in the loyalty space at SMB Digital Marketing.

Belly CEO Logan LaHive discussed his startup’s focus on creating custom loyalty programs for SMBs by “providing tools to run smarter digital loyalty programs.” These include iPads, cards and access to customer data, along with solid communication tools. Of the multiple drivers of SMB ROI, Belly focuses on retention by creating online “in store” experiences that foster engagement. Belly is rolling out its SMB tiered pricing offerings in 10 markets and will expand that footprint.

Cartera Commerce and Edo Interactive both talked about the benefits of working with banks and leveraging big data for small purchases. Transaction data through bank relationships is an effective way to pursue acquisition and loyalty. “SMBs are enthusiastic, adopting loyalty programs that consumers want (like airline miles) – this is unique to SMBs,” according Marc Caltabiano, VP Marketing and Products at Cartera Commerce.

Coupon sites and the growth of e-commerce have seen trust of shopping online go through the roof. Nearly every household has now bought products and services online. No doubt this is helping the constant growth of transactional marketplaces online. Running a marketplace is complex, and its doubtful how deep into these transactions (and marketing of local businesses) that the banks will want to get. My bet is on Groupon.

Your personal message emailed to 500,000 UNIQUE Prospects.
All interested in your service or product. These are not regular
emails. List members joined it by double-optin. Most
people find the list high response. A one time personal-emailing to 500,000
UNIQUE Prospects is just *$9.95. Use PROMO CODE
227 For A Boost to 1,500,000 Unique Prospects.
Plus, A Lifetime Silver Submitter Access and a Lifetime Global-Marketing Membership!